School closed when bullied student made threat

AMHERST, Mass. — Amherst school officials say they’re taking unspecified disciplinary action and other steps against students who played a role in bullying and racial harassment at Amherst Regional High School in January.

Schools Superintendent Maria Geryk released findings on Friday of a month-long investigation. The school is taking steps to develop an online investigation reporting system.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that Geryk would not provide specifics about the individuals involved, discipline handed out or the interventions school officials are using.

She also would not comment on whether any faculty or staff members have been disciplined or face action.

The investigation began following a Facebook post on Jan. 25 by a student claiming he had been carrying a gun into the high school to protect himself from bullying. School was closed on Jan. 27 in response to the post.

The alleged harassment of an eighth grader forced Lunenburg school officials to cancel a high school football game Friday night.

Andrea Brazier told NewsCenter 5’s Liam Martin that when her family awoke Friday morning, someone had spray painted racist graffiti aimed at her son on their home’s foundation.

Watch NewsCenter 5’s report

Her son, Isaac Phillips, is on Lunenburg High School’s football team, the Blue Knights. Brazier is white and her son’s father is black.

“I don’t really understand why someone would even do something like this,” Phillips said. “I have two younger brothers and another sister. This is our house, this is where we live. Eventually they’re going to see it.”

Brazier said she immediately called police, who then notified the school. Superintendent Loxi Jo Calmes decided Friday afternoon to indefinitely postpone the football game against Oakmont Regional.

The family said that players were given an opportunity to come forward with information during a meeting on Friday but chose not to.

In addition to the graffiti, Phillip’s cleats were taken from his locker and thrown in a trash can. The same day a tire on his bicycle was slashed in the school parking lot.

“That was like my ride home,” he said.

Brazier said her son no longer wants to attend Lunenburg High because of the harassment.

Police issued a statement on Saturday saying the incident was under investigation by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Worcester District Attorney’s Office.

“As a community we offer our deepest support to the player and his family, and want to emphasize that Lunenburg is an inclusive, supportive community and this is not the sort of behavior we foster or tolerate. The nature of this crime has deeply impacted the team, the school and the entire community,” the statement read.